countyscore
50.4
County Score
Disaster Risk 96.9Cost of Living 86.7Weather & Climate 51.5

County Report Card

About Motley County, Texas

Exceeding the national livability median

Motley County hits a composite score of 50.4, placing it slightly above the national median of 50.0. This is a rare achievement for a deeply rural Texas county.

A top-tier Texas performer

At 50.4, Motley County significantly outperforms the Texas state average of 41.9. It ranks as one of the most livable rural areas in the entire state.

Unmatched safety and housing value

The county boasts a near-perfect risk score of 96.9, making it one of the safest places from natural disasters. Housing is also incredibly affordable, with a cost score of 86.7 and median home values of $81,100.

Significant water and utility concerns

The water score of 7.6 is critically low, indicating major challenges with utility infrastructure or water scarcity. This remains the primary hurdle for long-term development in the area.

Perfect for extreme rural isolation

Motley County is the ultimate destination for those seeking a safe, ultra-affordable lifestyle far from city life. It suits residents who can manage their own water needs while enjoying $725 monthly rents.

Score breakdown

Tax31.2Cost86.7Safety42.3Health31.2Schools47.7Income47.8Risk96.9Water7.6Weather51.5
🏛31.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠86.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼47.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡42.3
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤31.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓47.7
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡96.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧7.6
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤51.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨19.6
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱25.7
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Nearby counties

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57.5
Floyd County
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49.5
Cottle County
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61.5
Dickens County
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King County
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Deep Dives

Motley County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Motley County

via TaxByCounty

Motley has one of the nation's lowest rates

At 1.097%, Motley County's effective tax rate is 14% below the national median of 1.276%, placing it in the lowest quartile nationally. This rural Texas county offers some of the most affordable property taxation in America.

Well below Texas state average

Motley County's 1.097% rate sits 0.179 percentage points below Texas's 1.276% state average. Among all Texas counties, Motley ranks among the lowest-tax jurisdictions.

Motley leads the region in affordability

At 1.097%, Motley beats Morris (1.178%), Moore (1.526%), and Nolan (1.511%), with only Nacogdoches County (0.925%) taxing lower regionally. Motley offers the best property tax rates among most comparable West Texas counties.

Modest homes, minimal tax bills

With a median home value of just $81,100, Motley County residents pay roughly $890 in annual property taxes. This is among the lowest tax burdens in Texas, reflecting both low property values and a favorable tax rate.

Verify your assessment for potential savings

Even in Motley County's low-tax environment, homeowners should confirm their assessed value matches the market. A successful appeal could reduce your already-modest tax bill further.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Motley County

via CostByCounty

Motley County leads affordability rankings

Motley County renters spend just 13.8% of income on housing—a full 4.3 percentage points below the Texas average and well below the national trend. This exceptional affordability rate, combined with a $62,857 median household income, creates one of Texas's most livable housing markets.

Texas's most affordable county choice

Motley County's 13.8% rent-to-income ratio is among the lowest in Texas, reflecting both modest rental costs and adequate household incomes. The median home value of $81,100 puts homeownership within reach for nearly all working families.

Motley stands out in affordability rankings

Motley County's $725 median rent is the cheapest in the region, undercutting even Morris County ($824), while its 13.8% rent-to-income ratio beats all neighbors by substantial margins. This combination reflects Motley's rural character and lower overall cost structure.

Motley's housing dominance explained

Renters dedicate just $725 monthly while homeowners pay $528—among the lowest absolute costs regionally—against a $62,857 median household income. Housing consumes under one-seventh of household budgets, freeing resources for education, healthcare, and other priorities.

Motley County for true housing freedom

If housing affordability is your primary relocation driver, Motley County offers unmatched value in the Texas landscape. With only 13.8% of income going to housing, residents gain financial flexibility rarely found in modern America—but research carefully whether your career prospects align with rural Texas opportunities.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Motley County

via IncomeByCounty

Motley County Underperforms Nationally

Motley County's median household income of $62,857 trails the national median of $74,755 by about $11,900—a 16% gap. Despite this shortfall, the county's income aligns with other rural Texas communities facing national wage competition.

Slightly Below Texas Average

At $62,857, Motley County's median household income falls just slightly below the Texas state average of $64,737. The county's per capita income of $29,882 also comes in below the state average of $33,197, indicating earnings concentrated in fewer household workers.

Motley Ranks Near Top Locally

Motley County earns more than Morris ($55,082), Nacogdoches ($51,528), Navarro ($59,310), and Newton ($41,044) counties. The county's $62,857 income compares favorably to most peer rural communities, though it trails Montgomery's exceptional $97,266.

Best Housing Affordability in Region

Motley County boasts an impressive 13.8% rent-to-income ratio—the lowest among its peer counties—keeping housing costs minimal. With median home values of only $81,100, Motley County offers exceptional housing affordability despite modest incomes.

Leverage Motley's Affordability Advantage

Motley County's lowest housing costs create the strongest savings potential in its peer group. Use your housing cost savings to build emergency reserves, contribute to retirement accounts, and invest in education or skills that boost long-term earning power.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Motley County

via CrimeByCounty

High Safety Score with Limited Data

Motley County records a high safety score of 97.9, though data comes from a single reporting agency. The total crime rate of 1,308.3 per 100,000 is far lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Rural Safety Surpasses State Average

Motley surpasses the Texas safety average of 96.8, demonstrating a strong profile for a rural district. Its total crime rate is over 700 points lower than the state average of 2,052.5.

Comparing Motley to Regional Neighbors

Motley reports a safer environment than Moore County, which has a higher total crime rate of 1,907.5. It remains one of the quieter counties in its part of the state.

Violent Crime Rate vs Property Trends

Violent crime is notably higher here at 490.6 per 100,000, exceeding both state and national averages. However, property crime is very low at 817.7, keeping the overall total manageable.

Local Vigilance in Motley County

With only one agency reporting, local awareness is your best defense against crime. Strengthening home security ensures that your property remains protected regardless of shifts in local data.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Motley County

via HealthByCounty

Health status limited data available

While life expectancy data for Motley County is not currently available, 18.7% of residents report poor or fair health, near the national average of 18%. This suggests the county's health outcomes may be closer to national norms than some Texas peers.

Health rate near state comparison points

Motley County's poor/fair health rate of 18.7% is better than most counties in this group and closer to healthier peers. The county's uninsured rate of 16.5% is notably better than Texas's state average of 19.8%.

Relatively strong health outcomes nearby

Motley County's 16.5% uninsured rate is below that of Montague County (20.9%) and Moore County (26.1%), suggesting better insurance coverage. The county's poor/fair health rate trails larger, better-resourced counties, but beats some regional peers.

Limited provider data, strong uninsured picture

Provider counts for Motley County are not currently available, which suggests limited healthcare infrastructure for this rural county. However, the relatively low uninsured rate of 16.5% means most residents do have insurance coverage.

Keep your coverage active and updated

Since most Motley County residents maintain health insurance, focus on ensuring your coverage meets your needs. Visit healthcare.gov or your insurer's website annually to verify you still have the right plan and understand what care is available locally.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Motley County

via SchoolsByCounty

One Campus for the Entire County

Motley County features a unique, singular educational infrastructure with only one public school serving the entire region. This 'all-in-one' facility handles 166 students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. A single district, Motley County ISD, manages all public education for the area.

High Investment in a Challenging Environment

The county invests $10,772 per pupil, which is significantly higher than the Texas state average of $7,498. However, the graduation rate currently sits at 75.0%, which is below the national average of 87.0%. The school score of 53.8 suggests the district is working to improve outcomes despite the unique challenges of a very small student body.

Centralized Learning at Motley County ISD

Motley County ISD is the sole provider of education, with 166 students enrolled in its single campus. There are no charter schools or alternative districts within the county lines. This creates a deeply centralized community experience where every student in the county attends the same institution.

Purely Rural Educational Experience

With only one school classified as rural, the educational experience is the definition of small-town Texas. The average school size is exactly 166 students, ensuring that every teacher and student knows one another personally. This PK-12 model means students spend their entire academic career in the same building.

Find Home in a Tight-Knit Community

If you value a truly unified community where everyone knows their neighbors, Motley County is the place to be. Real estate here offers a unique connection to the local school, which serves as the social and academic heart of the county. High per-pupil spending reflects a community committed to its youth.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Motley County

via RiskByCounty

Motley: Lowest Risk in Texas Sample

Motley County scores just 3.18 on the national composite risk scale, earning a "Very Low" rating and representing one of America's safest counties for natural disasters. This remote Panhandle county sits dramatically below Texas's state average of 49.00 and the national norm.

Texas's Lowest-Risk County by Far

Motley ranks as the lowest-risk county in this Texas sample by a substantial margin, with minimal exposure across nearly all hazard categories. The county's sparse population, semi-arid climate, and distance from major weather corridors create exceptional disaster safety.

Far Safer Than Regional Peers

Motley's score of 3.18 stands dramatically lower than any neighboring Panhandle county, including Moore (61.90) and Montague (54.87). The county's geographic isolation and low population density contribute to its unique low-risk profile in the region.

Wildfire Only Significant Hazard

Motley County faces wildfire risk at 80.31, its only substantial natural disaster threat, while tornado risk (14.85) and all other hazards remain minimal. Flood risk is negligible at 1.56, hurricane risk at 9.76, and earthquake risk at 4.42.

Basic Coverage Sufficient for Motley

Motley residents should maintain standard homeowners insurance with wildfire coverage as a precaution during dry seasons, though overall disaster risk remains exceptionally low. Focus on landscape management—clearing brush and dead trees—as your primary disaster preparation strategy.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Motley County

via WeatherByCounty

A Warmer Twist on High Plains Climate

Motley County averages 61.0°F annually, which sits well above the national median temperature. The region maintains a semi-arid profile while staying about 8 degrees warmer than the typical U.S. county.

Cooler than the Texas Average

While much of Texas swelters, Motley County is actually cooler than the state average of 65.5°F. Its northern location keeps its annual mean over 4 degrees lower than the statewide figure.

Dry Conditions Compared to the Coast

The county receives just 23.4 inches of rain per year, which is significantly less than the Texas average of 31.9 inches. This dry climate is typical for the Rolling Plains but starkly different from the humid eastern counties.

Long Summers and Snowy Dustings

Residents face 93 days of extreme heat above 90°F, mostly concentrated in a July that averages 81.2°F. Winter brings a notable contrast, including 4.3 inches of annual snowfall and a January mean of 41.1°F.

Prepare for Wide Temperature Swings

HVAC systems must handle 93 days of extreme heat and winter lows that average 42.4°F. The low 23.4-inch rainfall suggests that drought-resistant landscaping is the most practical choice for local yards.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Motley County

via SoilByCounty

Dry Aridisols shape the terrain

The county is characterized by Aridisols, which are soils common to dry climates. The average pH of 7.54 is more alkaline than the Texas state average of 7.09.

Loamy textures favor agricultural use

A loamy mix of 55.0% sand and 18.2% clay creates an adaptable medium for plants. This composition provides decent drainage while the 26.2% silt helps retain essential nutrients.

Standard water retention for West Texas

Organic matter is relatively low at 1.19%, falling behind the state average of 1.66%. The available water capacity matches the Texas average of 0.133 in/in exactly, offering moderate drought resistance.

Well-drained soil prevents ponding

The soil is well-drained and categorized under hydrologic group B. This means water moves through the profile efficiently, which is ideal for crops but may require consistent irrigation.

Hardy natives thrive in zone 7b

Zone 7b is an excellent environment for drought-tolerant native plants and summer squashes. Take advantage of the loamy ground and start a resilient West Texas landscape.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Motley County

via LawnByCounty

Motley County's Arid Lawn Challenge

With a difficulty score of 25.7, Motley County is a tough place to maintain traditional green grass. This Zone 7b region faces significantly harder conditions than the national average of 50.0.

Low Rain and Persistent Heat

Annual precipitation of 23.4 inches is below the ideal range, meaning your lawn will depend on your garden hose. Combined with 93 extreme heat days, the climate quickly evaporates moisture and stresses cool-season grasses.

Sandy Loam with High pH

The soil is a well-drained loam with 55% sand content and a pH of 7.54. Because it is slightly alkaline and drains quickly, you should use slow-release fertilizers and organic compost to improve water retention.

Extended Drought Hits Motley Hard

The county is currently 100% covered by severe drought and has spent 32 weeks in drought over the last year. Focus on drought-tolerant landscaping and limit mowing height to shade the soil and keep roots cool.

Resilient Grasses for the Rolling Plains

Drought-hardy varieties like Buffalograss or hybrid Bermuda are best suited for this environment. Mark your calendar for April 5, the typical last frost date, to begin your planting.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Motley County's county score?
Motley County, Texas has a composite county score of 50.4 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Motley County rank among counties in Texas?
Motley County ranks #60 among all counties in Texas on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Motley County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Motley County is $890, with an effective tax rate of 1.10%. This earns Motley County a tax score of 31.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Motley County?
The median household income in Motley County, Texas is $62,857 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Motley County earns an income score of 47.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Motley County, Texas a good place to live?
Motley County scores 50.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #60 in Texas. The best way to evaluate Motley County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Motley County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.